What is the Legal Status of Prostitution in Dublin?

Prostitution itself is legal in Ireland, but associated activities like soliciting, brothel-keeping, and paying for sex with a trafficked person are criminalised. Ireland operates under a “Nordic Model” approach, focusing on criminalising the purchase of sex rather than its sale.

This legal framework, established primarily by the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, means:

• Selling Sex: It is not a crime for an individual over 18 to exchange sexual services for payment.
• Buying Sex: It is illegal to pay for sexual services with another person. Penalties include fines and potential imprisonment.
• Soliciting: It is illegal to loiter in a public place for the purpose of offering or purchasing sexual services.
• Brothel Keeping: Operating or managing a brothel (a place where more than one person works) is illegal.
• Trafficking & Exploitation: Paying for sex with a trafficked person carries severe penalties. Coercing or controlling a sex worker is also illegal.

The intention is to reduce demand while decriminalising those selling sex, theoretically shifting the focus towards supporting sex workers and tackling exploitation. Enforcement primarily targets clients and third-party profiteers.

How Does the Nordic Model Affect Sex Workers in Practice?

While aiming to protect sex workers, the Nordic Model creates significant challenges. Criminalising clients pushes the industry further underground, making sex workers less likely to report violence or exploitation for fear of exposing their clients to prosecution or facing repercussions themselves. It can also lead to rushed negotiations and riskier encounters as transactions become more discreet.

Where Does Street Prostitution Typically Occur in Dublin?

Street-based sex work in Dublin is geographically concentrated but has diminished significantly in visibility over the past 15-20 years due to policing, urban development, and the rise of online advertising.

Historically known areas include parts of the North Inner City (like around Sheriff Street, Sean McDermott Street) and certain sections near Ballyfermot or Thomas Street. However, the most visible street soliciting has decreased, largely displaced by online platforms. Sex work predominantly operates indoors (incalls, outcalls) or via escort services arranged online.

How Do People Find Sex Workers Online in Dublin?

The internet is the primary marketplace for sex work in Dublin. Sex workers and agencies advertise services on various platforms:

• Dedicated Escort Directories: Websites specifically designed for advertising adult services (e.g., platforms like Escort Ireland, directories hosted internationally). These often include photos, services offered, rates, locations, and contact methods.
• Adult Forums & Review Boards: Online communities where clients discuss providers, share experiences, and sometimes where sex workers advertise directly.
• Social Media & Messaging Apps: Some sex workers use platforms like Twitter/X or encrypted messaging apps for discreet contact and advertising.

Arrangements are typically made via phone call, text message, or email, with specific locations (hotels, private apartments) agreed upon. Screening practices vary among workers.

What are Common Rates and Services Offered?

Rates vary widely depending on the worker, service, duration, location (incall vs. outcall), and exclusivity. There’s no fixed price list. Common factors influencing price include:

• Duration: Rates usually start for a set time (e.g., 30 mins, 1 hour).
• Service Type: Different services may be priced differently or offered within a standard rate.
• Location: Outcalls (worker travels to client) often cost more than incalls (client visits worker).
• Experience & Demand: More established or in-demand workers typically charge higher rates.

Rates generally range from €100-€300+ per hour, but can be higher for extended time, specific requests, or duo sessions. Services offered are diverse and should be explicitly negotiated and consented to beforehand. Payment is typically made at the start of the encounter.

What are the Major Health and Safety Risks for Sex Workers and Clients?

Sex work carries inherent risks, often heightened by criminalisation and stigma. Key concerns include:

For Sex Workers:

• Violence & Assault: High risk of physical and sexual violence from clients, opportunistic attackers, or exploitative third parties. Fear of police reporting due to criminalised aspects deters reporting.
• Sexual Health: Risk of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) including HIV, though consistent condom use significantly reduces this. Accessing testing can be stigmatised.
• Mental Health: High prevalence of stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and substance use issues linked to stigma, danger, and social isolation.
• Exploitation & Trafficking: Vulnerability to coercion, control, debt bondage, and trafficking by pimps or organised crime.

For Clients:

• Sexual Health: Risk of contracting STIs without consistent condom use.
• Legal Risk: Being prosecuted for purchasing sex or soliciting.
• Robbery/Blackmail: Potential to be targeted by individuals posing as sex workers or unscrupulous third parties.
• Violence: Potential for altercations, though less common than violence against workers.

How Can Sex Workers and Clients Practice Safer Sex?

Condom use for all penetrative sex (vaginal, anal, oral) is the cornerstone of safer sex. Sex workers are generally very experienced in condom use and negotiation. Clients should respect a worker’s insistence on condoms and never pressure for unprotected services. Regular STI testing is crucial for both parties.

Where Can Sex Workers Access Health and Support Services in Dublin?

Several organisations provide non-judgmental support:

• Ruhama: Ireland’s primary NGO supporting women affected by prostitution and sex trafficking. Offers outreach, crisis support, counselling, education, and advocacy. (www.ruhama.ie)
• Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI): A peer-led organisation advocating for the rights, health, safety, and self-determination of sex workers. Provides information, peer support, and campaigns for decriminalisation. (www.swai.ie)
• HSE Sexual Health Services: Free and confidential STI testing and treatment is available at clinics across Dublin (e.g., GUIDE Clinic, St. James’s; Baggot Street Clinic).
• Drug Services: Organisations like the Ana Liffey Drug Project offer harm reduction support.

What Support Exists for People Wanting to Exit Sex Work?

Exiting sex work can be challenging due to financial dependency, trauma, lack of alternative skills, and stigma. Support services focus on:

Ruhama offers comprehensive exit programs including:

• Crisis Intervention & Counselling
• Accommodation Support
• Education & Training Programs
• Addiction Support Referrals
• Legal Advice
• Assistance with Social Welfare & Immigration Issues

TUSLA (Child and Family Agency) and Intreo Public Employment Services may also provide pathways to social welfare and training, often accessed via referrals from organisations like Ruhama. Community-based drug projects can support those struggling with addiction, a common co-occurring issue.

Is Sex Trafficking a Problem in Dublin?

Yes, sex trafficking is a serious issue in Dublin and Ireland. Victims, predominantly women and sometimes minors, are trafficked from various countries (including within the EU, Africa, and Asia) as well as within Ireland itself. They are often controlled through violence, threats, debt bondage, and psychological manipulation.

Trafficking can occur in various settings:

• Brothels: Operating illegally, often disguised as massage parlours or apartments.
• Private Apartments: Where victims are moved frequently.
• Street Soliciting: Though less visible now.
• Escort Services: Victims may be advertised online.

Signs of trafficking include signs of physical abuse, appearing controlled or fearful, lack of personal documents, inability to speak freely, and inconsistencies in their story. Reporting suspicions to An Garda Síochána (Irish Police) or organisations like Ruhama or the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) is crucial. The Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) has a Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit.

What are the Arguments For and Against Full Decriminalisation?

The current Nordic Model is highly debated:

Arguments Supporting the Nordic Model (Current Law):

• Aims to abolish prostitution by reducing demand.
• Views prostitution as inherently exploitative and harmful, especially to women.
• Seeks to protect sex workers by not criminalising them.
• Targets traffickers and exploiters.

Arguments for Full Decriminalisation (advocated by SWAI, Amnesty International, WHO):

• Evidence from places like New Zealand shows improved safety: sex workers can report violence to police without fear, work together legally for safety, and access health services openly.
• Reduces stigma and empowers workers to set boundaries and conditions.
• Allows for regulation to improve working conditions and health standards.
• Focuses law enforcement resources on combating actual coercion, trafficking, and exploitation, not consenting adult transactions.
• Recognises sex work as labour, granting workers rights and protections.

The debate centres on differing views of agency, exploitation, gender equality, and the most effective way to protect vulnerable individuals.

Where Can the Public Report Concerns or Access Information?

If you witness something concerning:

• Suspected Trafficking/Exploitation: Contact An Garda Síochána (Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111) or Ruhama.
• General Crime/Public Safety: Contact local Gardaí.
• Seeking Information/Support for Self or Others: Contact Ruhama, SWAI, or HSE Sexual Health services.

Understanding the complex realities of sex work in Dublin requires moving beyond simplistic judgments. Focusing on harm reduction, supporting vulnerable individuals, ensuring access to health and justice, and critically examining the impact of laws are essential steps towards a safer and more just society for all involved.